tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-350140642024-03-13T15:14:40.552-05:00The Capricious PainterHi, I’m a painterly painter who paints paintings...with paint.
Please excuse the tongue–n-cheek intro but I couldn’t help myself. The word painterly has always cracked me up. What does that mean anyway?Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13577206872187236746noreply@blogger.comBlogger121125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35014064.post-53646811802807082282016-07-02T21:35:00.002-05:002016-07-02T21:35:47.213-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rU49KdtPvo4/V3h5ivuC4nI/AAAAAAAABng/AOudSpNIRoAcpn07-taeY9eTdNGZosawgCLcB/s1600/IMG_7532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rU49KdtPvo4/V3h5ivuC4nI/AAAAAAAABng/AOudSpNIRoAcpn07-taeY9eTdNGZosawgCLcB/s320/IMG_7532.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Pink Hollyhocks</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>8X10 oil on stretched canvas</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>$75.00</b></span><br />
<br />Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13577206872187236746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35014064.post-28190754720433615972016-06-05T16:33:00.004-05:002016-06-05T16:33:59.511-05:00Lilac Chapel<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Lilac Chapel</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>8 X 10 Oil on Gallery Wrapped Canvas</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>$75</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VKCg__hrR3Y/V1SZfZQuHvI/AAAAAAAABnM/8ByI93738BwjPQIFpwzOK8x9xkYPX_0CwCKgB/s1600/IMG_7335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VKCg__hrR3Y/V1SZfZQuHvI/AAAAAAAABnM/8ByI93738BwjPQIFpwzOK8x9xkYPX_0CwCKgB/s320/IMG_7335.JPG" width="257" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6EVV2MNMPwU/V1SauXESr5I/AAAAAAAABnQ/mlbF_1AhnuEfsv9z4mI708c9q8gCciMMACLcB/s1600/IMG_7333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6EVV2MNMPwU/V1SauXESr5I/AAAAAAAABnQ/mlbF_1AhnuEfsv9z4mI708c9q8gCciMMACLcB/s320/IMG_7333.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13577206872187236746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35014064.post-33925899267454512912016-06-05T16:24:00.001-05:002016-06-05T16:24:41.431-05:00Lina's Hollyhocks<br />
8 X 8 Gallery Wrapped Canvas<br />
$50<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-phEMODKjXB8/V1SYiY2xt3I/AAAAAAAABms/FQWE-tTkqJ0x4egNWTJ090zM9xSWFcJWQCLcB/s1600/Lina%2527s%2BHollyhocks.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-phEMODKjXB8/V1SYiY2xt3I/AAAAAAAABms/FQWE-tTkqJ0x4egNWTJ090zM9xSWFcJWQCLcB/s1600/Lina%2527s%2BHollyhocks.PNG" /></a></div>
<br />Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13577206872187236746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35014064.post-41329386105516450402016-06-05T16:21:00.001-05:002016-06-05T16:21:52.309-05:00La Ventana 11x14 Oil on cradle board. (SOLD)<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ruSldIgzLW4/V1SX0zR7xcI/AAAAAAAABmk/fshNPdCA3KQwKeoPu1qSRIKNeDGd8XyRQCLcB/s1600/IMG_7039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ruSldIgzLW4/V1SX0zR7xcI/AAAAAAAABmk/fshNPdCA3KQwKeoPu1qSRIKNeDGd8XyRQCLcB/s320/IMG_7039.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13577206872187236746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35014064.post-1058199807470005172015-03-02T19:30:00.001-06:002015-03-02T19:30:31.695-06:00"New Mexico Hollyhocks"<br />
5x7 inch oil painting on canvas board.<br />
Sold<br />
<br />
This painting was my submission for the Facebook page "Lets Paint New Mexico" . Pop over there for a visit - lots of great artists doing there interpretation of each weeks photo challenge.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1KgdZgwBR00/VPUOpZG4qZI/AAAAAAAABk8/RLEr9wT7Vgc/s1600/NM%2BHollyhocks.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1KgdZgwBR00/VPUOpZG4qZI/AAAAAAAABk8/RLEr9wT7Vgc/s1600/NM%2BHollyhocks.PNG" height="320" width="243" /></a></div>
Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13577206872187236746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35014064.post-14961411211443042832015-03-02T19:22:00.001-06:002015-03-02T19:22:23.090-06:00Taos Snow<br />
8x10 oil on canvas board<br />
SOLD<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-27z8sHAyxy0/VPUMvgW9nAI/AAAAAAAABkw/QZCLOqEMPn8/s1600/IMG_5727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-27z8sHAyxy0/VPUMvgW9nAI/AAAAAAAABkw/QZCLOqEMPn8/s1600/IMG_5727.JPG" height="320" width="258" /></a></div>
Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13577206872187236746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35014064.post-46010404200579036112015-03-02T19:16:00.000-06:002015-03-02T19:16:05.598-06:00The Old Rugged Cross<br />
24x36 oil on canvas<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7QDYrF9AHMk/VPULKqrn6VI/AAAAAAAABkg/1LI_LgWkBX8/s1600/IMG_5893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7QDYrF9AHMk/VPULKqrn6VI/AAAAAAAABkg/1LI_LgWkBX8/s1600/IMG_5893.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13577206872187236746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35014064.post-81454755765640223492013-04-03T10:51:00.000-05:002013-04-03T10:55:49.393-05:00I know its been a long time since I have posted a painting and I'd say shame on me but I refuse to shame myself. In addition to painting I dabble in writing and thought I post a short story I submitted for an annual contest. Nope - didn't win but what it did do is give birth to a character who I fell in love with and have decided deserves his own book. So I thought as a "creative" exercise I'd go ahead and post the story. <br />
Please keep in mind the rules of the contest dictated the format. A mystery had to be established and solved in no more than 2500 words. I have never written a short story before so it was really a unique experience for me. It will end up being a chapter in the book and since it won't have to follow a contest guideline it will probably be longer but still - have a quick read and tell me what you think. Any resemblence to any living person is purely coincidence.<br />
(I respectfully ask that just like art work my work is mine with copyrights intended or acquired.) Here goes - enjoy.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Manny Garcia - Private Eye</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">It was midmorning in Santa Rosa when Manny Garcia
lumbered up the alley looking like an old pull toy that leaned way to the left
and then way to the right as he shuffled his feet. He waddled down a rut
stopping only to pet stray dogs or peer into the dumpsters he passed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Occasionally spotting something he thought he
could use; he would retrieve the new found treasure and stuff it into the ratty
brown shopping bag he carried.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rose Padilla and her neighbor Lucie Hernandez stood
in their back yards discussing the damage their gardens sustained in last
night’s hail storm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rose was first to
spot Manny making his way toward them, leaning closer to Lucie she whispered.
“Oh no, it’s too early for to put up with his foolishness, I’m going inside.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Lucie wasn’t quick enough to escape.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Manny smiled and waved as he called out her
name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good Morning Mrs. Hernandez.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How are you today?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Lucie sighed deeply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I’m doing better than my tomatoes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The hail ruined them but that’s nothing compared to what it did to my
husband’s new truck.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“That’s terrible, but you got insurance don’t you?”
Manny removed his hat and wiped his forehead with his sleeved arm. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How much did that truck cost you?” And then
without waiting for an answer he continued, “How much insurance you got?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Enough?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Lucie knew that the questions weren’t meant to be
rude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were Manny’s way of showing
concern and, as everyone in town knew, Manny was just Manny. “We’re okay – will
get the truck fixed.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“That’s good.” He said as he placed his hat back on
his head and saying farewell be set out once again for town.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">He was only a block from the downtown area when he
stopped to sift through the dumpster located behind the home of the town’s bank
president, Sam Weller.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a general rule
there was almost always something worth pulling out of this dumpster, however
lately there had only been kitchen refuse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Manny used a stick to stir the trash around but his effort only yielded
the empty containers of a variety of generic store brand commodities. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With his head tucked under the dumpster lid he
didn’t notice Mrs. Weller making her way to the backyard gate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Mr. Garcia?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She whispered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Startled, Manny bumped his head knocking his hat off
and into the dumpster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He retrieved his
hat and rubbed his sore head. “Good Morning Mrs. Weller.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Mrs. Weller looked up and down the alley.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When she was satisfied that no one was
watching her she continued.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do you have
time to come inside?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d like to talk to
you about something.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Manny followed her inside and sat down at the
kitchen table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eagerly accepting her offer
of coffee and a slice of German Chocolate cake, he listened as she sputtered
off to a hesitant start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Mr. Garcia,”
she began, “Are you really a detective?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yes ma’am, I got my license right here.” He reached
into his pocket and pulled out his wallet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Mrs. Weller couldn’t help but notice that the old worn wallet was
completely empty with the exception of the wrinkled paper card declaring that
the bearer was an official private detective as recognized by the Security
Services Institute of America.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not that
Manny had attended the institute; as a matter of fact he had trouble filling
out the form in the back of the magazine. In reality it merely signified that
his check for $19.99 had cleared the bank.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Mrs. Weller read the card which offered her no
reassurance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Manny could sense her lack
of confidence in his ability as a professional.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“You know I was the one who helped Father Lohan find his missing rosary
and I have solved lots of other cases as well.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">She did know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She and every other citizen knew that Father Lohan had intentionally
left his rosary at the coffee shop and then walked across the street to the
plaza.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Waking Manny from his nap on the
bench where he slept most afternoons he <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">retained
</i>Manny to find his lost possession.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was assumed that the old priest had done this as an act of kindness
but he had done it to end the daily visits from Manny who complained that no
one would give him any business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Father Lohan praised Manny’s skill the
following Sunday at mass it resulted in several new cases, mostly lost pets,
lost rings or watches and the occasional stolen lawn ornament.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Much to everyone’s surprise Manny was fairly
successful in retuning the lost items to their owners.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Drawing in a long breath Mrs. Weller decided she had
nothing to lose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“About a week ago I was
doing some cleaning in the living room when I accidently bumped our Ernest L.
Blumenschein painting and it fell off the wall and crashed to the floor. Are
you familiar with his work?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Manny shook his head so she continued.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He’s a founding member of the Taos art
colony. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sam and I purchased
Blumenshein’s Oak Creek Canyon ten years ago to mark our twenty fifth wedding
anniversary.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then with a little
embarrassment she added “at that time we paid around forty thousand dollars.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Manny choked on his cake. “For a picture?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“For an original Blumenshein” she corrected. “The
painting itself wasn’t damaged but the frame broke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My husband was out of town so I took the
painting back to the gallery in Santa Fe where we purchased it to see if the
frame could be repaired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To my surprise
they called me the next day to inform me that the painting I brought in wasn’t
the same one they sold us.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a
sudden hitch in her voice. “They said…they said it was a forgery.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“That’s terrible,” Manny said as he helped himself
to a second piece of cake. “What did you husband say about it?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“When he got home yesterday from his business trip I
told him what I found out and suggested we contact the police but he was
against that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said that he didn’t
want the police brought into it because he didn’t want anyone to know what kind
of money we had in our art and collectibles.” She poured Manny a second cup of
coffee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I pointed out that we had paid
a small fortune for the painting and that a report should be made for insurance
purposes but Sam was firm and said that I should forget about it for now and
then he left me sitting here while he went off to the bank to work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was gone most of the night and before he
left this morning he said he didn’t want to talk about the painting anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just don’t know what to do?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Manny finished his cake and coffee and then checked
the clock on the wall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I better get
going; it’s almost time for lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I
tell you what; I’ll start working on your case right away.” She watched him go
through the back gate and head up the alley toward town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sighing heavily, she couldn’t escape the
feeling that she had just wasted a good hour of her time and two slices of cake
on a hopeless case.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Making his way into the plaza Manny decided to
bypass his regular bench located under the shade of a towering cottonwood tree
and chose a bench on the south side of the square, the one across the street
from the bank.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sat down and surveyed
the bank with is parking lot sandwiched next to the drug store. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The smooth, shiny, burgundy Cadillac parked
in the first available space, the one marked <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Reserved</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">for Bank President</i>,
belonged to Sam Weller. The rest of the lot was occupied with employee
vehicles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bank policy emphasized
leaving the parking spaces in front of the bank strictly for customers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gloria
Alderidge, the bank secretary, came bouncing out of the bank and made her way
to the parking lot. It crossed Manny’s mind that her skirt seemed short even
for a girl in her twenties but he enjoyed looking at her legs anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As she
slid into her Mustang Convertible she let out a yelp as her skin touched the
hot leather upholstery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Manny couldn’t
help but notice that last night’s hail storm had done quite a bit of damage to
her car as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As she sped out of the
parking lot the big clock on the bank chimed twelve.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Sitting in the sun Manny thought about the case of
the forged painting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He thought so hard
that before he knew it his heavy eyes closed and he was fast asleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He might have slept there all afternoon had
he not been woken by the sound of Gloria’s Mustang screeching to a stop in a parking
spot in front of the bank where it would be shaded by a large tree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As she made her way to entrance she was
intercepted by Sam Weller.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Manny watched
as the two had a brief conversation before she went through the front door and
Mr. Weller continued down the sidewalk to the drug store.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Manny’s
stomach growled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Looking up at the bank
clock he was surprised to see that it was a quarter to two and he had slept
through lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The drugstore had a lunch
counter so Manny pulled himself up from the bench and headed across the street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As he pushed the door open he saw Sam Weller
standing at the front checkout counter paying for his purchase, an unmistakable
black and gold box of Rogaine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“What’s new with you Manny?” said the waitress as
she sat down his egg salad sandwich.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’m working on a case, can’t talk about it but it’s
a big one.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Working?” She laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Manny you’ve been asleep over there all
day.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“No really.” He said “I was working on a case and as
soon as I finish my lunch I’m gonna go solve it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">With a smile and a wink the waitress slid his check
across the counter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well if anyone can
solve it you can, you probably see everything walking through the alleys all
day.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">True to his word Manny wiped the last of the egg
salad from his face and headed for the bank.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As he passed the parking lot he stopped to look closer at Sam Weller’s
pristine Cadillac sitting in its coveted spot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Clean and waxed without a blemish on it Sam smiled and thought he might
like to have just such a car for himself one day if he ever learned to drive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Sam Weller was busy going through some files when
Gloria tapped on his door to say that Mr. Garcia was here to see him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was in the process of saying he was much
too busy for an unscheduled meeting with anyone when Manny pushed his way
through the door,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I know you’re a busy man, this will only take a
minute.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve come about the painting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Sam slowly closed the file and asked him to come in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gloria began to excuse herself when Manny
stopped her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No Miss Alderidrge, you
come in and sit down too” Gloria looked at Mr. Weller who shrugged so she
closed the door and sat down.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Manny removed his hat and sat down. “That was a bad
storm we had last night, lotta damage all over town, lotta damage.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I
thought you came to talk about the painting?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sam said flatly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Manny nodded. “You know your wife is a wonderful
woman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve known her all my life and
what a good cook.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She makes the best
German Chocolate cake I ever tasted.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
glanced at Gloria and then looked back at Sam. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway, she was telling me about your trouble
with the painting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Quite a mystery don’t
you agree?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Mr. Weller sat silently and waited for Manny to get
to the point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So many things are a
mystery to me like …” his voice trailed off like he was trying to think of an
example.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then suddenly it picked back
up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Like why a man that everyone thinks
would have lots of money is buying Great Value vegetables and milk but, “<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Manny gestured to the drugstore sack on the
desk. “wastes good money on hair fertilizer.” Suddenly sweat began to appear on
Sam’s head and bead up on the peach fuzz covering the bald spot<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Manny went on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Or why Miss Alderidge takes a longer lunch than the other employees and
parks in front of the bank just to have her car in the shade. And about your
car,” Manny turned to face Gloria directly, “it such a shame that the hail
banged up your pretty new car like that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You should have parked it in the garage of that new house you just moved
into.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know the one where they
delivered the new furniture to last week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You must get paid pretty good here at the bank.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Then returning his gaze at Mr. Weller he went on..<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And how nice for you that while you were
working last night your car didn’t get any hail damage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re a lucky man because that a very pretty
car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yep you were lucky, either that or
you had your car parked in a garage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Op,
but there isn’t a garage here at the bank so it must be luck.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Sam’s mouth dropped open.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked at Gloria and then back at
Manny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What do you want?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Me? I want to find your nice wife her painting but”
Manny rubbed the back of his neck, “ I don’t think it’s around here anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think someone switched it with a fake and
sold the real one for money.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“For what reason?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Mr. Weller managed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Manny shrugged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I don’t know, maybe your living expenses have doubled.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The pink in the banker’s cheeks drained.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Again, what do you want?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I want you to write a nice letter recommending that
Miss Alderidge gets the job at the school.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Gloria’s cheeks, by comparison, were flushed with
anger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t want to change jobs?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Sure you do Miss Alderidge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You see when Mrs. Weller finds out about the
painting she will divorce Mr. Weller and take everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The scandal will cause the bank to fire
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With no job and no money he won’t
be able to pay for cars or furniture or even store bought hair. But you’ll
still have a job so you can pay.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Gloria stood up and tugged her skirt hem down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll go clear out my desk.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">When she left the office Sam slumped back in his
chair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Mr. Garcia, are you going to
tell my wife?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“What for Mr. Weller? By the time I see her again
you will have already told her all about it yourself and after some time she
will forgive you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You think
so?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Manny smiled “I haven’t been wrong yet?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13577206872187236746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35014064.post-29517296441605802972013-02-02T13:03:00.002-06:002013-02-02T13:03:31.955-06:00My soul, which is saved, heathy and happy, and my spirit, which is unquenchable, reside in a earthly body that the Dr. says has cancer. So in a few weeks we'll do a little remodeling on this dwelling. Remove the termite infested deck and possibly replace it with some new perky awnings. Life is good.<br />
<br />
<br />
Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13577206872187236746noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35014064.post-85534074014502454662012-07-15T20:20:00.000-05:002012-07-15T20:28:05.751-05:00A small treasure<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UQxfBKGSRcM/UANp2addfzI/AAAAAAAABeM/4iXLUo3977Y/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="287" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UQxfBKGSRcM/UANp2addfzI/AAAAAAAABeM/4iXLUo3977Y/s320/1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
Santuario de Chimayo 3"x3" oil on canvas panel</div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JLQFQLuXJHg/UANp8tNnpqI/AAAAAAAABeU/XVOWGOzcghY/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JLQFQLuXJHg/UANp8tNnpqI/AAAAAAAABeU/XVOWGOzcghY/s320/2.jpg" width="320" /></a> <br />
3"x3" Vintage cigar tin....are you ready for this? <br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">TA DA!</span></strong> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LjnPOWNAkCU/UANqoHfUACI/AAAAAAAABec/rpm56UvjOCI/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LjnPOWNAkCU/UANqoHfUACI/AAAAAAAABec/rpm56UvjOCI/s320/3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rQB24f7bXAk/UANqqx4zhsI/AAAAAAAABek/dOnQ6T_boZ0/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rQB24f7bXAk/UANqqx4zhsI/AAAAAAAABek/dOnQ6T_boZ0/s320/4.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MwZXmiKMUU8/UANqtdxmH3I/AAAAAAAABes/yfDSYex54uw/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MwZXmiKMUU8/UANqtdxmH3I/AAAAAAAABes/yfDSYex54uw/s320/5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<strong>$75.00</strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UQxfBKGSRcM/UANp2addfzI/AAAAAAAABeM/4iXLUo3977Y/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div>Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13577206872187236746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35014064.post-59208015431740906902012-02-05T12:17:00.001-06:002012-02-05T12:23:58.413-06:00Works in Progress<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qFLdZI5thnc/Ty7JI1q47UI/AAAAAAAABbk/jDe-JHORjGs/s1600/IMG_4120.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qFLdZI5thnc/Ty7JI1q47UI/AAAAAAAABbk/jDe-JHORjGs/s400/IMG_4120.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705718931608104258" border="0" /></a><br />I really need to finish one of these......Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13577206872187236746noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35014064.post-19268988868852161292012-01-18T16:12:00.003-06:002012-01-18T16:17:10.725-06:00Early Morning Smoke<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mKEudTaAzM8/TxdEEkRfz9I/AAAAAAAABbE/Afru6WLMB4Q/s1600/IMG_4097.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 293px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mKEudTaAzM8/TxdEEkRfz9I/AAAAAAAABbE/Afru6WLMB4Q/s400/IMG_4097.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699098698707881938" border="0" /></a><br />9x12 Oil on hardboard panel<br />$85.00 + $10.00 shipping (unframed)<br /><br />This was an experiment of sorts. If you look close you will see that the board was heavily textured before the painting was applied. Its a different approach than I have used before -<br />Although this painting is dark it is very rich in color. Reminds me of early morning when the sky is waking up.Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13577206872187236746noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35014064.post-3552542604682791002011-12-18T14:24:00.001-06:002011-12-18T14:25:35.003-06:00Ranchos de Taos Church - Darkest Hour<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yGX_kHPWEOM/Tu5L93mm1pI/AAAAAAAABaU/MsStweNzkVI/s1600/Blog%2B2%2B009.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 361px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yGX_kHPWEOM/Tu5L93mm1pI/AAAAAAAABaU/MsStweNzkVI/s400/Blog%2B2%2B009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687566905685497490" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">SOLD</span></span><br />8x10 Oil on Canvas panel. <br />$100.00Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13577206872187236746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35014064.post-25624638119481415952011-12-15T08:59:00.005-06:002011-12-15T09:18:30.924-06:00St. Rose of Lima Chapel<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1yGJoDvp4f8/TuoLy_wUN5I/AAAAAAAABZA/_UbrWC0qNoo/s1600/Blog24.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 307px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1yGJoDvp4f8/TuoLy_wUN5I/AAAAAAAABZA/_UbrWC0qNoo/s400/Blog24.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686370450244122514" border="0" /></a><br />11x14 Oil on stretched canvas<br />$200.00 (unframed)<br /><br />This is a little something new for me...but I think I really like it.<br />I was sitting in the waiting room at a doctor's office thumbing through a magazine and I saw this tiny photo of a painting. The image was about an inch square; a corner of a barn with minimal landscaping around it. The painting was done in what I call (because I don't know the correct term) color block style.<br /><br />As small as this image was it immediately caught and held my attention. The barn was bright yellow, the sky was a shocking blue and the ground was flat (I guess you realize I don't remember the color of the ground...but it was flat).<br /><br />I knew I wanted to give this a try and I knew what my subject matter would be. This little chapel is a landmark in my home town. Sadly, today only portions of the wall exist, the rest has succumbed to time and weather. But its design its very basic and boxy and that "squareness" is echoed in its gate. Perfect!Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13577206872187236746noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35014064.post-87117308147954923162011-11-29T15:50:00.002-06:002011-11-29T15:54:18.093-06:00Commissioned work<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K8m6maYvWrU/TtVTuo5phxI/AAAAAAAABY0/luE9qN1yLLo/s1600/Blog%2B2%2B200.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K8m6maYvWrU/TtVTuo5phxI/AAAAAAAABY0/luE9qN1yLLo/s400/Blog%2B2%2B200.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680538565716051730" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Commissioned painting<br />12x16 oil<br /><br />Normally I wouldn't do a painting of something I had already done. But I had a special request for this. A dear lady had seen it on my site and pleaded with me to do one for her so I did. I have to say - it was a very interesting experience.<br /><br />What happened was that I was able to see my growth by doing this painting. My perspective is 100% better - my texture int he stucco and the wooden window frames is much better and I even like my hollyhocks better.<br /><br />All in all - I'm really glad I did this.Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13577206872187236746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35014064.post-75816420883487973722011-09-27T13:13:00.002-05:002011-09-27T13:17:09.051-05:00Pumpkin 2011<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2IxKfkMwNaM/ToISmZt7aKI/AAAAAAAABYg/0akA4NluTCQ/s1600/Blog%2B2%2B191.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 303px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2IxKfkMwNaM/ToISmZt7aKI/AAAAAAAABYg/0akA4NluTCQ/s400/Blog%2B2%2B191.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657104532878616738" border="0" /></a>Pumpkin 2011 - 8x10 oil <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">SOLD</span><br /><br /><br />Last year I painted a pumpkin and sold it - thought I'd see if lightening would srtike twice - lucky me - it did.Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13577206872187236746noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35014064.post-88911988957676313962011-08-25T15:32:00.007-05:002011-08-29T14:01:27.708-05:00Pear Study...for breakfast<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FT11a47tgZk/Tlax2S6c5sI/AAAAAAAABYI/V412t5n6AaU/s1600/Blog%2B2%2B188.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FT11a47tgZk/Tlax2S6c5sI/AAAAAAAABYI/V412t5n6AaU/s400/Blog%2B2%2B188.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644894729303549634" border="0" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mTkQ7JVY124/Tlax2nN4meI/AAAAAAAABYQ/0I__-B3UfvI/s1600/Blog%2B2%2B190.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 310px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mTkQ7JVY124/Tlax2nN4meI/AAAAAAAABYQ/0I__-B3UfvI/s400/Blog%2B2%2B190.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644894734753765858" border="0" /></a>
<br />This is a little gem I did yesterday morning at the breakfast table.
<br />Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13577206872187236746noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35014064.post-78446556593974566142011-08-11T14:32:00.003-05:002011-08-11T14:34:28.458-05:00Next painting!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ffZowDivBVQ/TkQuiKXb9PI/AAAAAAAABXw/ePJMYe4CrRE/s1600/Blog%2B2%2B185.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ffZowDivBVQ/TkQuiKXb9PI/AAAAAAAABXw/ePJMYe4CrRE/s400/Blog%2B2%2B185.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639683797807789298" border="0" /></a>I sketched this out on an 11x14 canvas board today - its the beginnings of a study for a painting.
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<br />Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13577206872187236746noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35014064.post-54245720457346219832011-08-10T10:56:00.003-05:002011-08-10T10:59:26.124-05:00Blue Door and Chamisa<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ppZwmjQKts/TkKqQfTYIJI/AAAAAAAABXo/CIGpeZqMhEY/s1600/8-8-11%2Bpaintings%2B009.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 317px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ppZwmjQKts/TkKqQfTYIJI/AAAAAAAABXo/CIGpeZqMhEY/s400/8-8-11%2Bpaintings%2B009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639256883678683282" border="0" /></a>8x10 Oil Painting on canvas <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">(SOLD)</span>
<br />Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13577206872187236746noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35014064.post-58595238800830620312011-08-09T11:28:00.005-05:002011-08-09T14:57:43.622-05:00Small "bluffs" study<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p7igBXFkVnk/TkFgls4nwsI/AAAAAAAABXg/0IfReSo3In8/s1600/8-8-11%2Bpaintings%2B001.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 313px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p7igBXFkVnk/TkFgls4nwsI/AAAAAAAABXg/0IfReSo3In8/s400/8-8-11%2Bpaintings%2B001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638894409264644802" border="0" /></a>
<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">(SOLD)</span>
<br />Here's a small 4x6 study I did on canvas board - I liked it so I framed it! By the way - I now have a PayPal "Buy it now" button. I will offer my posted paintings for sale on my Blog for three days before moving it to auction on eBay.
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<br />"Bluff Study" - sold framed (small scratch on the bottom of frame as seen in photo)
<br />$25.00 plus $10.00 shipping and handling.
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<br /><form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post">
<br /><input name="cmd" value="_s-xclick" type="hidden">
<br /><input name="hosted_button_id" value="CQQD7QQ2RUY4Q" type="hidden">
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<br />Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13577206872187236746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35014064.post-82685810337714927652011-08-08T16:37:00.002-05:002011-08-08T16:38:56.903-05:00Today was a good day...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5i2jKaqHrko/TkBXaMUbh8I/AAAAAAAABXY/wpckQRXpFb0/s1600/IMG_2950%2B%25282%2529.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5i2jKaqHrko/TkBXaMUbh8I/AAAAAAAABXY/wpckQRXpFb0/s400/IMG_2950%2B%25282%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638602840962992066" border="0" /></a>
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<br />Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13577206872187236746noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35014064.post-7511216803033433642011-06-30T23:27:00.004-05:002011-06-30T23:49:16.266-05:00Another turning point - a fork stuck in the road......<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/1PK2R0IwCiY" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" width="425"></iframe><br />I have spent so much time feeling sorry for myself because I have to work for a living and saying how stressful my job is and that since my heart attack I am so weak that all I can manage is to go to work - crawl home - eat supper and go to bed. Weekends were for errands , laundry and housework as well as a small part time job. No time to paint or write or do anything that resembles creativity.<br /><br />BLAH BLAH BLAH - I was not only depressed but also boring.<br /><br />Well - to quote the Green Day lyrics - "<span style="font-style: italic;">time takes you by the wrist directs you where to go</span>."<br /><br />Last Friday at 4pm the president of the company I worked for (for over 5 years) met with us to let us know that our program had been de-funded in Washington - one quarter of the staff lost their jobs effective immediately. Guess which group I fell into?<br /><br />But here's the strange thing. It was totally unexpected but immediately recognizable for the opportunity of a lifetime. While everyone else was wandering around wiping tears from their eyes I was busy packing up my office and thanking my director - no sarcasm here - I appreciate the opportunity I had to work for that company and will miss the job and coworkers but.....<br /><br />It was all I could do to contain my excitement.<br /><br />With my severance and unemployment I will for the first time in my life have the chance to see what I'm made of. To paint and write and market myself...and still pay my mortgage - WOW!<br />How lucky am I?<br /><br />I spent this first week wrapping up loose ends - taking advantage of insurance before it ran out (which it did June 30th) I painted my bathroom and got new carpet, met with a contractor about a small remodeling job in the kitchen. I have company coming for the 4th of July but when they leave it will be time to launch my new career as a full time painter and writer.<br /><br />Did you hear what I said? Forgive me while I say it again for my own enjoyment....I'm self employed as a painter and writer...... full time....ah, I love the sound of that.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">"So make the best of this test and don't ask why...it's something unpredictable but in the end is right....I hope to have the time of my life."</span></span>Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13577206872187236746noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35014064.post-67532405700121653602011-03-20T12:04:00.005-05:002011-03-20T12:20:01.187-05:00A real painting ..for reals<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pi6h4cN5wzI/TYY1b0VaqDI/AAAAAAAABW0/VK4IcF310TQ/s1600/Blog%2B2%2B184.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 303px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pi6h4cN5wzI/TYY1b0VaqDI/AAAAAAAABW0/VK4IcF310TQ/s400/Blog%2B2%2B184.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586211139820890162" border="0" /></a>Red Hollyhocks 4x6 inches oil on canvas<br /><br />Loosening up my brushes (finally) This was a quick little painting of my all-time favorite - red hollyhocks and yellow stucco. I have been studying <a href="http://stapletonkearns.blogspot.com/">Stapleton Kearns</a> blog - tons of wonderful information. Like taking a workshop. I enjoyed using some of the things I learned while doing this piece.Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13577206872187236746noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35014064.post-90163233014988467652011-02-06T09:17:00.000-06:002011-02-06T09:17:39.623-06:00A new confession...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UaG3nnrllnU/TU67KI-jHGI/AAAAAAAABVY/mmvwO9beRJ8/s1600/NM+Christmas+2010+127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UaG3nnrllnU/TU67KI-jHGI/AAAAAAAABVY/mmvwO9beRJ8/s320/NM+Christmas+2010+127.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>The reason I haven't been painting much is because I've been writing.<br />
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For some reason its easier for me to paint a picture, good or bad, and post it on the blog for the world (yeah, right) to see than to admit that I am also a hopeful, maybe a capricious, writer. <br />
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I have no illusions about my artistic ability - I have moments when my mind seems to be able to clearly communicate to my hand what it wants out of the paint and brush and for that I am very grateful. I also have many moments when my brain and my hand don't appear to be on speaking terms. That's just the way it goes for me. <br />
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But the truth is I think I'm a better writer than painter. I'm an unpolished stone in that I lack a lot of formal training in grammar and punctuation but I think I have a talent for conveying whats in my mind and heart onto paper with far more accuracy than canvas. Now lest you think that last statement reeks of ego let me tell you something, I have far more insecurity about putting my written work "out there".<br />
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Seriously, I have had my first book written for a long time and can't seem to manage to finish the editing in order to have it read by those who's opinions I trust. And that's a shame because its a good and fun little story. I'm also about half way through the second book which is a little gem but again - can't seem to get on with it. The format for the third book is already laid out.<br />
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I don't know what my problem is, I'm open to suggestions.<br />
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I don't know if its lack of focus, lack of discipline, exhaustion stemming from poor health and working both a full time and part time job.....<br />
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When my first marriage was breaking up my then husband asked me to go to marriage counseling. I agreed and he picked out a therapist and off we went. After a couple of visits my former husband realized that the doctor wasn't going to take his side and make me behave so he quit going but I kept on. I had always laughed at folks who went to therapy but I have to say, it was one of the best things I ever did for myself.<br />
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The reason I'm telling you this is because it was this doctor who first alerted me to the possibility that I lacked the backbone to put myself "out there" and that was the real reason why I never seemed to finish up my book (s) or the half painted canvases that are laying around my studio or the half crocheted tablecloths in the closets.<br />
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And here's the hard part. I know better. I have sold my paintings. Won ribbons in shows for both my painting and my crochet work (are you surprised?) Recently I sold enough of my handmade jewelry to help finance my trip home for Christmas. I receive a steady stream of confirmations from a variety of people in a variety of fields encouraging me to write for a living.<br />
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So what's my problem?<br />
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In the meantime while I'm writing, editing and trying to sort it all out and find my backbone I'll entertain you with some more photo's that I've taken and kind of like...a lot. Feel free to critique my issues - apparently I need to get used to it and overcome my insecurities.....Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13577206872187236746noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35014064.post-47313489876184922962011-01-10T20:56:00.000-06:002011-01-10T20:56:40.582-06:00I'm still here<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UaG3nnrllnU/TSvGIXCtHgI/AAAAAAAABVQ/9gmC-JINA00/s1600/NM+Christmas+2010+120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UaG3nnrllnU/TSvGIXCtHgI/AAAAAAAABVQ/9gmC-JINA00/s320/NM+Christmas+2010+120.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I'm not ill I just haven't been well lately.<br />
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Dana took me home to New Mexico for Christmas in hopes of giving me a spiritual shot in the arm. Although winter, I took lots of pictures and this is one of them. Look for upcoming painting (I promise) coming along soon.Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13577206872187236746noreply@blogger.com6